Register Real Estate Advisors

Every experienced broker knows that neglected projects in the home will cost the seller enormously – perhaps even the sale.  That is why I write this blog, to try to educate homeowners.

If you will live in your home in a preventative maintenance mode, then, hopefully, when it’s time to sell, your home will be in “selling condition.”  Most homeowners don’t think about how their home should look to prospective buyers until it’s time to sell, but it’s never too early to think about preventative maintenance.  Keep things in working order so that it’s easy to list the home at anytime.  This will pay bigger dividends on the sale of the home at a future date. 

The exterior of the home:

Extensive tree coverage can create more problems for homeowners as time goes on.  A canopy of greenery will shade the home in the summer and it will also keep the sun from having a chance to dry the area.  If there’s evidence of mildew then it is time to trim some of the trees, but there’s no need to cut the entire tree.  Get a free estimate from a professional. 

Often times, if the exterior of the home isn’t maintained, it can move to the interior of the home.  For example, there could be a missing gutter spout.  By replacing the spout the rain run-off will be positioned appropriately to avoid water buildup around the foundation which could cause water leakage into the basement.  It’s easier to fix a small problem before it becomes a “bigger problem.”

Driveways and walkways should be maintained for safety.  Any pavers should be flush and level to avoid accidents.

The interior of the home:

Evaluate the condition of the kitchen and bathrooms before listing your home for sale.  If these rooms have not been updated, then it’s essential that they gleam with cleanliness.  It’s a good idea to replace toilets and sinks in bathrooms for a quick make-over.  It’s also a good idea to have the tub refinished if it needs an overhaul.  I  always disclose all of these updates to the prospective buyer in marketing materials when I list homes for sale.  This will not only appeal to buyers, but make the home move-in ready. 

These suggestions are not expensive and are projects that can be done quickly.  Even an old kitchen can be a clean kitchen. 

Rotten windows and window sills in older homes are always a major problem.  The one way to avoid this problem is to pull down the storm windows in the winter and also keep the storm windows down in the summer, especially if the home has central air conditioning.  It helps keep the sills dry. 

If you de-clutter daily, it doesn’t pile up on you.  Buyers do not like cluttered homes. 

If you live in your home in a preventative maintenance condition, it will be ready to sell on a moment’s notice.  In these trying economic times, you never know when a job change or financial hardship will cause you to sell quickly.  Keep your home well maintained and you won’t be stuck with the expense of fixing it up to sell it.

I got this information from an article that was first written by Charlene Geary for The Real Estate Professional November/December issue compliments of REBAC.  I receive that publication because of my Accredited Buyer’s Representative Training.  These are some of the things I help my buyers look at when they are looking at a potential home.

By:  Vicki Fullerton, 2009 Chair of the Houston Association of Realtors, previously printed in the Houston Chronicle

While working with a Realtor to buy or sell a home, you may have seen “GRI”, “CRB”, or “CRE” after a Realtor’s name and wondered what those letters meant.  Like most industries that constantly are changing, real estate demands continuing education throughout a Realtor’s career.

A successful agent must keep up to date with current issues, evolving technology, changing laws and regulations, and other important aspects of the business.  After all, it’s that comprehensive knowledge that gives Realtors the ability to help consumers buy and sell houses successfully. 

The National Association of Realtor (NAR) offers advanced education designation and certification programs through its institutes, societies and councils for Realtors.  Though there are other designations, these programs carry an official endorsement from NAR.

Just as an MBA carries with it a certain distinction in the business world, so do the letters after a Realtor’s name in the world of real estate.  These designations and certification programs are tailored to every real estate specialty you’ve heard of, and probably some you haven’t, so if there’s an area of specialty you need, you almost certainly can find a Realtor who has it.

For example, your Realtor might have extra training as a buyer’s representative, land consultant, commercial investment expert, property manager, appraiser or brokerage manager.  Many Realtors earn several designations to keep as current as possible in multiple areas of the real estate industry.  You may want to work with someone who knows the ins and outs of a particular area.  After all, buying property is pretty complicated.  New technology, laws, procedures, and the increasing sophistication of buyers and sellers require real estate practitioners to perform at top professional levels, and consumers are demanding it.

GRI designation

One of the most comprehensive designations for Realtors is the GRI  (Graduate, Realtor Institute).  It’s a curriculum that requires Realtors to complete an advanced course series that includes 90 hours of classroom instruction.  There’s an emphases on technology, business development, sales and marketing, and critical legal and regulatory issues such as fair housing, brokerage relationships and environmental concerns.  State and local Realtor associations offer these classes, giving Realtors ample opportunity to stay on top of the real estate profession.

The GRI program gives Realtors an understanding of the industry’s finer points and that can only benefit folks who rely on that expertise to find the house of their dreams or sell their longtime residence.  And there’s more.

The following are NAR-endorsed designation and certification programs.  Look for these next time you need a Realtor with a specific area of expertise:

ABR:   Accredited Buyer Representative

ABRM:   Accredited Buyer Representative Manager

ALC:   Accredited Land Consultant

CCIM:  Certified Commercial Investment Member

CIPS:  Certified International Property Specialist

CPM:   Certified Property Manager

CRB:  Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager

CRS:  Certified Residential Specialist

CRE:   Counselor of Real Estate

GAA:   General Accredited Appraiser

GRI:  Gradate, Realtor Institute

Green:  Sustainable Property Designation

PMN:  Performance Management Network

RCE:  Realtor Association Certified Executive

RAA:  Residential Accredited Appraiser

SRES:  Seniors Real Estate Specialist

SIOR:  Society of Industrial and Office Realtors

Certification Programs:

AHWD:  At Home with Diversity Certification

e-Pro:  Certification program for online professionalism

RSPS:   Resort and Second-home Property Specialist

REPA:  Real Estate Professional Assistant

TNC:  Transnational Referral Certification

I am working hard to take my business to a new level.  With that said, it has been far too long since I posted to my blog.  I have been busy attaining my ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Rep.) Designation.  Then I got my certificate so I am a New Home Sales Representative.  Next Monday I will begin my ePRO Designation.  I feel the best way I can represent my clients needs will be through more education.  Just when I think I know it all…I learn something new.  Plus, things are changing.  If you don’t believe me, just look around.  Watch the National News.  Things have to change and I want to change with it.  I am prepared to meet the needs of my buyers and sellers in the future.  Many people in Real Estate are getting out because times are tough, but I am here to stay.  It’s a buyer’s market, but it won’t be forever.  Houston is still the most stable place in the country to buy a home, sell a home, and maintain employment.  I am a full service full time Realtor and I want to help you with all of your Real Estate needs.